Rain does little to deter enthusiasm at final day of Magic City Art Connection

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- A little rain wasn't enough to keep the crowds away from the final day of the Magic City Art Connection at Linn Park this afternoon. Crowds of families, art enthusiasts and a wide assortment of four-legged friends today wound their way up and down the park sidewalks spotted with colorful tents of original artwork.

The bright colors emanating from the tents provided a sharp contrast to the gray crowds above, grounding the philosophy of the art festival's Marketing Director Alex Kunzman.

"Life would be boring without art," said Kunzman as glanced from tent to tent at the festival today.

Kunzman, whose mother Eileen founded the festival 31 years ago, said festivals like the Magic City Art Connection are crucial to the growth and success of the city. When his mother founded the festival, he said, a total of 50 artists participated. Today, with a much more diverse and thriving arts and culture movement spreading throughout Birmingham, the festival attracts more than 200 artists from as far away as New York.

Perhaps the most important attendees in Kunzam's eyes are the children.

Since Friday afternoon when 1,200 elementary school kids from city and county schools buzzed through the festival after being bussed in by festival organizers, hundreds of other children have explored their creative side at the Imagination Festival's children's' activity center complete with painting, coloring and shadow box lessons.

"Kids need to be exposed to art at a young age," said Kunzman. "Artists are everywhere; architects are artists, scientists are artists. They are all creating, every day. It's important for children to understand that."

Of equal importance is the support of the community in recognizing the significance of art and culture festivals in the city, he said.

"For 31 years the festival has been free, said Kunzman, "and we hope to keep it that way. To do so, however, we need the support of the community at every stage of the process."

To show your support, head to Linn Park today until 5 p.m. admission to the festival is free.

If you work up an appetite during the festival, head across the way to the 17th annual Corks & Chefs wine and food tasting. Chefs from 15 Birmingham restaurants will serve some of their favorite dishes today until 4 p.m. under a big tent in front of Birmingham City Hall on Short 20th Street.

Tickets are $35 for each day and are available at the entrance to the tent.